Add to Your Bag Series: Flop Shot

One of the differences between a low and mid to high handicapper is often the number of different shots the low handicapper has at their disposal especially when it comes down to the ball being nestled in an difficult or uneven lie.

Learning and practising problematic shots not only enhances your repertoire of shots helping reduce your score but also installs a new confidence through out your game.

The Flop shot

With little green to work with or a pin placed just over a bunker, adding the flop shot to your repertoire can instantly help reduce your score by offering a closer putt for par or birdie.

Key Bullet Points

Position the ball opposite the left foot.

Open the stance and bend the knees more.

Keep the club face open.

Swing with just the arms.

Key tip: Keep the chest facing forward until you finish the swing

Adaptation for left-handed golfers: Position the ball opposite the right foot and place more weight in the right foot.

Why choose the lob or sand wedge? - Selecting either of these clubs ensures the ball will come off the club face at a high launch angle allowing the ball to travel high and land softly with very little roll.

Why position the ball opposite your left foot? – The swing is on its upwards motion when it strikes the ball left of the stance centre. The further towards the left foot the ball is positioned, the higher the ball will travel.

Striking the ball on the upwards motion will reduce the amount of energy compressed onto the ball, resulting in the ball landing softly on the green.

Why open the stance? This allows the swing to follow the line of the feet ensuring the swing and its energy moves across the ball’s intended target line. This allows the ball to spin more up the club face assisting in a higher launch.

Why immobilise the lower body? - By bending the knees more than usual, this naturally immobilises the lower body, leaving the golfer free to concentrate on creating the swing with just the arms.

Why keep the club face open?- This increases the loft of the club, helping the ball travel up the club face creating more backspin and a higher and softer trajectory of the ball.

Why keep the chest facing the ball while swinging? - this prevents the upper body from moving during the swings motion, ensuring the club face remains open as the swing moves across the body.

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James Ellis is the Professional at the leading indoor golf facility, Urban Golf and is also the creator of POCKET PRO GOLF APP.